The present invention relates to a frame according to the features of the pre-characterizing part of claim 1.

In this description and in the appended claims the following terms must be intended according to the definitions given as follows.

The term "frame" is intended to designate the set of a casing and of a wing applied on the casing itself, being "casing" the fixed frame of the frame that is applied to the opening of a building and is suitable for the assembly of a movable wing with respect to the casing for opening and closing the opening of the building, being "wing" the movable part of the frame which is movable with respect to the casing according to opening directions that may be, by only way of example but not limited to the purposes of the present invention, cross-sectional opening and closing directions as in the case of sliding doors, tilted opening and closing directions as in the case of pivot-hung frames, opening and closing directions with rotation of the wing as regards to a lateral or intermediate hinging line as in the case of doors, windows, skylights, etc., or combinations of the above-mentioned opening movements as in the case of wings which may be selectively opened by means of sliding or by means of pivot-hung opening or in the case of wings which may be selectively opened by lateral hinging rotation or by means of pivot-hung opening.

The term "wing" is intended to indicate the movable part of the frame which can take different shapes, as, only by way of example but not limited to the purposes of the present invention, doors and windows.

The term "frame" is intended to designate a set of the four perimeter elements that are mutually fixed one after the other to form a perimeter, generally quadrangular structure, but that can also have other shapes, e.g. triangular, trapezoidal, circular, elliptic shapes that are to be included within then present invention. The word "frame" can be either referred to the perimeter structure of the casing or of the wing.

The terms "internal" and "external" when referred to the frame are designated with respect to the building on which the frame itself is mounted, with internal meaning the side of the frame facing inwardly the building and external meaning the side of the frame facing outwardly the same building, according to the usual meaning given to such terms.

In the field of the manufacturing of frames, both the casing or fixed frame of the frame and the wing or movable frame usually consist of perimeter elements, generally four elongated perimeter elements composing two stanchions and two cross-pieces. The perimeter elements are mutually fixed one after the other to form a perimeter structure which is generally quadrangular, but that can also have other shapes e.g. triangular, trapezoidal, circular, elliptic or more complex shapes.

As for the casing, the mutual connection of each of the perimeter elements constitutes a frame that is applied in a fixed way within an opening of a wall of a building, where the wing of the frame will be placed. As for the wing, the mutual connection of the perimeter elements constitutes a frame defining an internal space suitable for placing a glass herein or, generally, a closing panel for the internal space delimited by the frame of the wing. Generally, both for the frame of the casing and the frame of the wing, for example in the case of quadrangular frames, the end of each perimeter element is cut to 45° in order to be connected to the corresponding end of the adjacent perimeter element, also cut to 45°. The mutual connection of the perimeter elements can be performed according to various methods, known for the purposes of the present invention, as, for example, sticking, fixing with screws, coupling angle devices, etc.

Furthermore, such obtained frames can be aesthetically unattractive and, therefore, they are successively covered with finishing elements that may be applied both on the internal side of the frame, i.e. the one inwardly facing the building, and on the external side the frame, i.e. the one outwardly facing the building.

In order to maximize thermal insulation of the building, special attention to the choice of materials is given for the frames, by inserting suitable thermo-insulating materials into the sections forming the frames, for example polystyrene or polyurethane foams, and/or by providing suitable gaskets between the wing or movable part and the casing or fixed frame of the frame. In this way, it is tried to increase the thermal cutting of the frame and to increase therefore its insulating coefficient. In some cases, composite structures are used wherein the frame consists of various elements some of which are metallic elements acting as structural support and other elements are made of insulating materials as to eliminate any thermal bridges.

Patent WO 00/50722 describes a three element set of section bars for frames in which a first central plastic section constituting the central part of the frame is connected, outwardly facing the frame, to a metallic section while, inwardly facing the inside the frame, to one or more wooden laths or to one or more metallic, plastic or other material sections. The central plastic section has a tubular section and both the central plastic section and the external metallic section can have the same cross profile either for the wing or the casing. The mutual fixing of sections is performed by connecting notches protruding from coupling fins which are able to firmly clamp within the corresponding channel insertion adapted to internally house said notches by means of grooves throughout the length of the sections thereof. Coupling by means of notches and insertion channels extends throughout the entire length of the sections and, though allowing a pressure insertion of a section onto the other, the uncoupling does not to occur by pulling a section orthogonally with respect to the other but it requires to longitudinally slide a section with respect to the other throughout the entire length of the same until uncoupling is completed. The internal cover can also be fitted to the insulating section by means of snap fitting.

Document FR2912455 discloses a frame wherein the internal cover is coupled to the main profile by interposing a plastic fixation element. The assembly is then fixed by means of a press. Patent EP 0 657 612 describes a set of section bars for frames based on the use of two elements provided with protrusions and recesses mutually staggered in order to allow mutual pressure coupling with provision for axial movement to allow dismounting thereof. Coupling by means of protrusions and recesses extends throughout the entire length of the sections and, though allowing a pressure insertion of a section onto the other, the uncoupling does not occur by pulling a section orthogonally with respect to the other but it requires to longitudinally slide a section with respect to the other throughout the entire length of the same until uncoupling is completed. Patent WO 01/69027 describes a frame wherein using a single section bar, having two opposite sides with shapes that are respectively intended to house a sheet of glass and upon installation of hardware and gasket, frames or door and window casings are produced, such that both the fixed frame or case and the perimeter framework of the wings are made from portions of the section itself. The casing includes additional section bars adapted to reciprocally couple in order to form the frame and further specific sections which, therefore, are not the same as other sections used in the frame, said further sections are intended to create the central pillar in the two-wing windows or the perimeter rabbet sections.

In the production of frames in the prior art, i.e. in the production of the casing frame and the wing frame, several section bars are used. Particularly, with regards to frames made as composite structures wherein each perimeter element of the frame is in turn achieved by assembling more elements of different materials, the number of sections to be assembled becomes significant as it is necessary to provide at least one supporting structural section for the frame of the casing, at least one insulating element towards the external side of the casing, at least one insulating element towards the internal side of the casing, at least one external finishing element of the casing, at least one internal finishing element of the casing, at least one supporting structural section for the frame of the wing, at least one insulating element towards the external side of the wing, at least one insulating element towards the internal side of the wing, at least one external finishing element of the wing, at least one internal finishing element of the wing.

It is therefore understood that in order to manage the production of a range of casings, a warehouse with a high number of different components is required, both for the manufacturer of section bars and for the dealer of sections, as well as for the assembler window and door fitter. This results in significant costs both for production, as each element will have its own production line, and for management of the elements by those involved. Lack of even just one of the numerous components results in blocking the production of the frame and, consequently, it is essential to ensure sufficient stock of all the different elements composing the frame, both for the casing and the wing.

Furthermore, many of the prior art frames, despite all measures adopted, show thermal bridges causing thermal dispersion, e.g. those corresponding to the internal structure of the wing or the internal structure of the casing, which is fixed to the wall of the building at the opening obtained from the wall itself.

The aim of this invention is to provide a frame consisting of at least one wing and a corresponding casing allowing a reduction in the number of perimeter elements necessary to complete the frame of the wing and the frame of the casing.

Further aim of the present invention is to provide a composite structure for each frame allowing a reduction of thermal bridges in the frame.

The aim of the invention is achieved with the features of main claim. Sub-claims represent advantageous solutions.

The solution of the present invention, offers several advantages due to the considerable creative contribution, being its effect an immediate and important technical departure from prior art.

Advantageously, the solution according to the present invention allows achieving a consistent reduction in the number of perimeter elements needed to complete the frame of the wing and the frame of the casing. This will advantageously involve both the cost of production of the frame, which will be less expensive, as each single component will cost less, and the cost for warehouse management, either for the manufacturer of section bars and for the final dealer, as well as for the window and door fitter performing the final assembly.

Furthermore, the solution according to the present invention advantageously allows achieving a better efficiency from the point of view of reduction of thermal bridges in the frame.

An additional advantage of the solution, according to the present invention, is that it allows easy customization of both the internal and external finishing elements of the frame, which can also be advantageously assembled on the frame upon the assembly of the frame when installing it in the building, as they could also be easily and readily subsequently replaced.

Furthermore, the structure according to the present invention also enables to integrate anti-burglary features suitable to prevent tampering of frames by unauthorized parties.

Furthermore, the solution according to the present invention simplifies installation procedures thereby reducing installation time.

Hereinafter, an embodiment is described with reference to the attached drawings to be considered as non-limiting example of the present invention, where:

• Fig. 1 shows a sectional view of an embodiment of the frame according to the invention, consisting of a casing and a wing in a closed wing position.
• Fig. 2 shows a sectional view of the frame of Fig. 1 in a partially-open wing position.
• Fig. 3 shows a sectional view of the frame of Fig. 1 according to an exploded view.
• Fig. 4 shows a sectional view of a different embodiment of the frame in accordance with the present invention, consisting of a casing and a wing in a closed wing position.
• Fig. 5 shows a sectional view of a different embodiment of the frame in accordance with the present invention, consisting of a casing and a wing in a closed wing position.

Referring to the figures (Fig. 1, Fig. 2, Fig. 3, Fig. 4, Fig. 5), the frame (1) according to the present invention consists of a casing (2) or fixed frame, of at least a wing (3) or movable frame and of hardware elements (4) interconnecting the casing (2) and the wing (3). Each frame (1) on a same casing (2) or fixed frame may have one or more wings (3). For example, single-wing windows or doors can be realized, as well as double-wing, triple-wing, etc. The hardware elements (4) can include hinges or, generally, interconnecting means allowing different movements of the wing e.g. movements related to opening directions that may be, by only way of example and without limitation for the purposes of the present invention, cross-sectional opening and closing directions as in the case of sliding doors, tilted opening and closing directions as in the case of pivot-hung frames, opening and closing directions with rotation of the wing as regards to an intermediate or side hinging line as in the case of doors, windows, skylights, etc., or combinations of the above-mentioned opening movements as in the case of wings which may be selectively opened by means of sliding or by means of pivot-hung opening or in the case of wings which may be selectively opened by lateral hinging rotation or by means of pivot-hung opening.

For the purposes of the present invention the aforementioned hardware elements (4) are known in the art.

Both for the casing (2) and the wing (3) the corresponding frames generally consists of a set of four perimeter elements and are mutually fixed one after the other to form a perimeter structure which is generally a quadrangular structure, but which can also have other shapes e.g. triangular, trapezoidal, circular, elliptic shapes, that are included within the present invention. Mutual connection of the perimeter elements can be performed according to various methods known for the purposes of the present invention, as for example sticking, fixing with screws, angle coupling devices, etc.

Generally, in case of the casing (2), the mutual connection of the perimeter elements will form a frame that is fixedly applied within the opening of a wall in a building and that constitutes the housing for the installation of the wing (3) of the frame. In case of the wing (3), the mutual connection of the perimeter elements will form a frame defining an internal space adapted for the application herein of a panel or a glass (23) closing the internal space defined by the frame of the wing thereof. For the purposes of the present invention, the wing (3) may either include a panel or a glass (23) closing the spate defined by the frame of the wing (3) thereof.

Advantageously, as explained in the following description, the frame (1) according to the present invention effectively optimizes various perimeter elements constituting the frame of the casing (2) and of the wing (3), through a careful and synergic design of the casing (2) and the wing (3), according to an inventive structure which now is not available on the market and which advantageously allows achieving a high reduction of manufacturing costs and management costs of warehouses where the several components have to be stored.

Particularly, frame systems on the market, regardless the type of material used for the perimeter elements (aluminium, thermal cutting aluminium, PVC, etc.) have different perimeter elements for the assembling of the frame of the casing (2) and for the assembling of the frame of the wing (3). Therefore in prior art, for the production of frames, i.e. the production of the frame of the casing (2) and of the frame of the wing (3), several section bars are employed. Above all, as far as frames with composite structures is concerned, where each perimeter element of the frame is in turn obtained by assembling several elements of different materials, the number of section bars to be assembled becomes considerable because it will be necessary to provide:

• at least one structural supporting section bar for the frame of the casing;
• at least one insulating element toward the external side of the casing;
• at least one insulating piece toward the internal side of the casing;
• at least one external finishing element of the casing;
• at least one internal finishing element of the casing;
• at least one structural supporting section bar for the frame of the wing;
• at least one insulating piece toward the external side of the wing;
• at least one insulating piece toward the internal side of the wing;
• at least one external finishing element of the wing;
• at least one internal finishing element of the wing.

This results in having a suitable stock warehouse, managing different product codes, supplying every single section bar with the required amounts, throughout the production, the distribution and the handling of section bars by the window and door fitter performing the assembly of the frame (1). To date, prior art solutions have focused on optimizing individual components without a synergic evaluation thereof. The solution according to the present invention, therefore, allows an optimization of the perimeter elements constituting the casing (2) and the wing (3) of the frame (1), through a not-trivial study focused on decreasing the number of components used, meanwhile ensuring same or improved performance from a thermal efficiency point of view and further aiming to keep a simple construction which provides an aesthetic versatility and a decrease of assembly and production costs.

Particularly, the solution according to the present invention provides the realization of section bars constituting the perimeter elements of the frame of casing (2) and wing (3) that are characterized by a wide versatility, allowing the use of same section bars both on the frame of the casing (2) and on the frame of the wing (3).The inventive structure includes three main perimeter elements that are used for the construction both of the frame of the casing (2) and for the construction of the frame of the wing (3).

Particularly (Fig. 1, Fig. 2, Fig. 3, Fig. 4, Fig. 5), the frame of the casing (2) includes:

• a connecting element of the casing (10);
• an insulating element of the casing (8);
• a fixing means on the casing (11).

Particularly (Fig. 1, Fig. 2, Fig. 3, Fig. 4, Fig. 5), the frame of the wing (3) includes:

• a connecting element of the wing (16);
• an insulating element of the wing (20);
• a fixing means on the wing (15).

Advantageously, a shape and a structure of elements was developed, that,allows to have:

• a connecting element of the casing (10) and connecting element of the wing (16) which are identical the one to the other, in a sense that have same section, i.e. in a sense that they are obtained from the same section bar, being a connecting element (10, 16) that is a shared element for the casing (2) and the wing (3);
• an insulating element of the casing (8) and insulating element of the wing (20) which are identical the one to the other, in a sense that have same section, i.e. in a sense that they are obtained from the same section bar, being an insulating element (8, 20) that is a shared element for the casing (2) and the wing (3);
• a fixing means on the casing (11) and fixing means on the wing (15) which are identical the one to the other, in a sense that have same section, i.e. in a sense that they are obtained from the same section bar, being a fixing means (11, 15) that is a shared element for the casing (2) and the wing (3).

The study carried out with important efforts, has led to the creation of sections that, despite having both width and height limited section, allows obtaining a high thermal insulation.

Particularly, the use of high thermal transmittance materials was considerably reduced while low transmittance materials increased, with benefit of performances and energetic efficiency of the frame (1).

Preferably, the connecting element (10, 16) is in the form of extruded aluminium or steel.

Preferably, the insulating element (8, 20) is an insulating material, a particularly special synthetic resins, developed for the specific application.

Preferably, also the fixing means (11, 15) is an insulating material, a particularly special synthetic resins, developed for the specific application.

Being the assembled structure of the frame (1), in particular the assembled structure of the casing (2) and the assembled structure of the wing (3), provided with the connecting element (10,16) which is surrounded and isolated on one side by the insulating element (8, 20) and on the opposite side by the fixing means (11,15), it acts to all respects as an additional insulating element that contributes to the elimination of thermal bridges. Advantageously, therefore, using the advantageous solution of shared composing elements for casing (2) and wing (3), a structural shape was developed and materials, adapted to eliminate thermal bridges and to obtain a frame with high performance from a thermal insulating point of view, were identified while reducing the total size of the frame of casing (2) and wing (3).

For example, the casing (2) includes a connecting element of the casing (10) provided, at the surface facing the insulating element of the casing (8), with interlocking connecting means consisting of a range of protrusions (27) and recesses (28) mutually and correspondingly coupling to a range of recesses (28) and protrusions (27) on the insulating element of the casing (8) at the surface facing the connecting element of the casing (10). According to the invention the connecting element of the casing (10) is provided with a first insertion site (29) equipped with notched coupling means (30) to house the fixing means on the casing (11) on a reciprocal engaging condition, said fixing means being inserted within the first insertion site (29) and remains locked in said site due to the engaging action practiced by the notched coupling means (30) on the fixing means on the casing (11) thereof.

Likewise as far as the wing (3) is concerned, it consists of a connecting element of the wing (16) provided, at the surface facing the insulating element of the wing (20), with interlocking connecting means consisting of a range of protrusions (27) and recesses (28) mutually and correspondingly coupling to a range of recesses (28) and protrusions (27) on the insulating element of the wing (20) at the surface facing the connecting element of the wing (16). According to the invention the connecting element of the wing (16) is provided with a first insertion site (29) equipped with notched coupling means (30) to house the fixing means on the wing (15) on a reciprocal engaging condition, said fixing means being inserted within the first insertion site (29) and remains locked in said site due to the engaging action practiced by the notched coupling means (30) on the fixing means on the wing (15) thereof.

This solution advantageously provides a supporting structure which is totally insulated both from external environment and internal environment, with significant benefits for thermal insulation of the frame (1).

Preferably, aluminium section bars are extruded in aluminium alloy 6060 UNI 9006/1 T5, suitable for furnace painting with polyester powders or electrocolouring (oxidation). The external and internal finishing section bars can be of various materials, as it will be explained in the following description. Thanks to a detailed research on section bars and a deep design analysis, glasses with various thickness and of different kind, according to the insulating degree required as well as cover panels in the case of frames that are not equipped with glass, can be inserted. The insulating element (8, 20) is a continuous perimeter insulating element going along the whole perimeter of the frame both on the frame of the casing (2) and the frame of the wing (3). Detailed studies provided said continuous profile section consisting of synthetic resins, which were designed and developed for the specific application providing a section bar with optimal thermal insulation while showing an excellent stability thereof.

Synthetic resins can be inserted in the frame according to customers requests and specific features related to certain requirements e.g. thermal insulation properties to be achieved, presence of humidity, etc. When disposing the frame, resins can be easily separated from others materials on the frame due to the dismounting readiness thereof. Furthermore, due to the high modularity levels achieved and to the dismounting readiness, dismounting of the frame for the removal of resins and their replacement with other resins having different features would be provided.

On the frame of casing (2) and wing (3) the external and internal finishing components are then installed, the words "internal" and "external" being defined with respect to the building on which said frame is mounted, being internal the side of the frame facing the internal space of the building and external being the side of the frame facing the outside of building thereof, according to the usual meaning given to such words.

For example as for the casing (2) it comprises an external finishing element (7) which is secured by screws (13) on the insulating element of the casing (8). Advantageously, the fixing is made by means of screws that are accessible only when the wing (3) is in an opened condition, so that the external finishing element (7) provides both an aesthetic customizable cover element and a securing anti-burglary element, meaning that when the wing (3) is in a closed condition, the external finishing element (7) blocks the access to the fixing screws (13) allowing access to the internal structure of the frame (1). Furthermore, the external finishing elements (7) also constitutes the rabbet element of the panel or glass (23) of the wing (3), which, in a closing condition of the wing (3), abuts on the external finishing element (7) interposing itself between a first rabbet gasket (5). Consequently, the external finishing element (7) acts as rabbet element for closing the wing and as supporting element of the sealing gasket. A second rabbet gasket (6) completes insulation between the external and internal side of the frame (1), more precisely a second rabbet gasket (6) preferably shuts and seals the openings between the peripherally external portion of the frame of the wing (3) and the peripherally internal portion of the frame of the casing (2). Preferably, said second gasket of rabbet (6) is fixed on the frame of the casing (2) corresponding to the site of a groove undercut insertion perimeter internally obtained on the frame of the casing (2) thereof, and particularly corresponding to the insulating element of the casing (8), said second rabbet gasket (6) protruding from the frame of the casing (2) towards the direction facing the wing (3) in order to contact the perimeter end of the wing (3) when the latter is in a closing condition.

Furthermore, the casing (2) includes an internal coating (12), which is coupled and fastened on the fixing means on the casing (11). Preferably, the fixing means on the casing (11) delimits a second insertion site (31) equipped with coupling means (30) notched to house the internal coating (12) in mutual engaging condition, which is advantageously inserted within the second insertion site (31) and remains locked in this site due to the engaging effect exerted by the coupling means (30) notched on the fixing means, exerting a sealing force on the internal coating (12) itself. If necessary, there also could be one or more intermediate blocking means (32), which are inserted by interference coupling within a corresponding intermediate groove formed on the internal coating (12) at the face facing the fixing means on the casing (11). Such coupling method also helps achieving high insulating performance for the frame (1).

The casing (3) can also be provided with a perimeter gasket (9) constituting insulating and sealing means of the opening of the building within which the frame (1) is inserted, said frame (1) being yet integrated, on its peripherically external surface, with sealing means avoiding openings between the frame and the insertion space of the building, that can cause airflow from the inside to the outside of the building and vice-versa.

As far as the wing (3) is concerned, the panel or glass (23) is inserted within a hollow peripherally defined inside the frame of the wing (3) from a surface of the insulating element of the wing (20) and is locked in position by a glazing bead element (21) provided with a protection gasket (22). The glazing bead element (21) is fixed on the insulating element of the wing (20) by means of screws (13). Advantageously the glazing bead element (21), in this case, only has an aesthetic function for the elements and not a sealing function. In this case as well, the adopted solution allows the removal of thermal bridges as the panel or glass (23) comes into contact only with thermally insulating elements preventing the contact with thermally conductive elements. Assembly is completed by injecting a sealing compound (25) in the gap between the panel or glass (23) and the insulating element of the wing (20). The screws (13) fixing the glazing bead element (21) are protected by a screw-cover element (24). The screw-cover element (24) is advantageously secured by jointly coupling the screw heads and/or the protruding elements of the insulating element of the wing (20), consequently constituting an aesthetic covering element that could be customizable and easily replaceable.

Furthermore, the wing (3) includes a finishing internal covering (17) which can also be realized with multiple parts, e.g. by coupling a first covering element (18) to a second covering element (19). Preferably, fixing means on wing (15) delimits a second insertion site (31) provided with coupling means (30) notched to house in mutual engaging condition the internal covering (17), which is advantageously inserted within the second insertion site (31) and remains blocked in this site due to the engaging effect exerted by the coupling means (30) notched on the fixing means, exerting a sealing force on the internal covering (17) itself. If necessary, there also could be one or more intermediate blocking means (32), which are inserted by interference coupling within a corresponding intermediate groove formed on the internal covering (17) at the face facing the fixing means on wing (15). Such coupling method also helps achieving high insulating performance for the frame (1). In the case shown, the finishing internal covering (17) consists of two parts, i.e. a first covering element (18) and a second covering element (19), being the first covering element (18) coupled and fastened on the fixing means on the wing (15) by means of the above-described coupling system and being the second covering element (19) locked:

• by a grooved coupling and an engaging element on the first covering element (18) on one side;
• by the panel or glass (23) preferably by interposing a layer of sealing product (25) on the opposite side.

Advantageously, all the finishing elements both of the casing (2) and of the wing (3) are easily removable and replaceable elements. This solution is advantageous in many respects. Firstly, it provides frames (1) ready to be assembled allowing the end-user to choose the kind of finishings, which may be chosen even at the last minute, for example before or during the assembly of the frame, also allowing the end-user to choose the finishings upon the final assembly to verify the aesthetic effect obtained in combination with other architectonic elements on the building.

Furthermore, the assembly operations of the frame are simplified since all the fastening elements are fully accessible before the following implementation of finishings. Furthermore, the solution provides easy maintenance of the frame; for example, in the case of wood finishings, the only finishings in wood will be easily removed in order to proceed with the removal of old paint and repainting of the finishings, thereof. Finally, it also allows a fast, simple, economic and easy replacement of desired finishing elements of the frames (1) at any time, to modify both external and internal aesthetics of the building, and to replace any damaged materials. It is therefore possible to achieve high flexibility in the production of section bars; in their assembling when producing frames of casing (2) and wing (3) and in the installation of the frame (1), providing a lower cost supply of customized products and a.personal service according to the needs of each customer. The external and internal finishing elements (7, 12, 17, 24) can be in wood, plastic, aluminium, steel or any other lining, with no change on the main structure of the frame (1).

Practically, through suitable couplings, an "overcoat" consisting of material different from the insulating and supporting structure is applied to the elements of the frame both of the casing (2) and of the wing (3), said overcoat hiding the structural and insulating elements. These finishing elements can be mounted on construction, actually allowing the end-user to choose the type of finishing at a later stage.

Hooking of the external and internal finishing elements (7, 12, 17, 24) can be done by means of the shown coupling with the fixing means (11, 15), which can be a plastic extruded or a special fixing small block.

The system is versatile and fits present and/or future needs of the client such as change of finishings, enhanced thermal and acoustic insulation, armor plating.

Advantages are both for the customer, who can choose or modify possible materials and colours to their preference, both for the window and door fitter, who can manufacture and sell the frame (1) reducing energy impact, and increasing income over a lower cost for raw material and for production and assembly.

Furthermore, dismounting of sections thanks to the described systems of jointly mutual coupling also allows maximizing the use of segments of material thereof, which can also be reused. For example, odd portions from the insulating element (8, 20) can be longitudinally coupled for the creation of further frames, thus minimizing waste production.

The wing (3) also includes a third rabbet gasket (14) placed at the coupling surface between the wing (3) and the casing (2) when the wing is in a closed position. Preferably, the third rabbet gasket (14) is fixed on the internal covering (17) of the wing (3) and is pressed against the internal coating (12) of the casing (2) to seal the perimeter profile of the wing (3) when it is in a closing condition. It will be apparent, however, that this gasket can be also placed according to different installation solutions, provided that it is a perimeter sealing element of the coupling edge in abutment between the wing (3) and the casing (2).

Furthermore, according to the present invention (Fig. 1), it is understood that in the frame (1), the external finishing element (7), when the wing (3) is closed, internally creates a gap (33) between the external finishing element (7) itself and the wing (3), said gap being subject to condensation of moisture phenomena due to the air herein. Advantageously, therefore, it is provided that the external finishing element (7) is equipped with bores (26) allowing possible condensation to flow, at least on the perimeter side of the frame (1) which is a downwardly facing perimeter side, i.e. towards the ground.

The high insulating performance of the frame (1), achieved by mutual coupling mechanisms with no thermal bridges and by studying and developing innovative solutions from the point of view of employed materials, together with the synergic choice of suitable sections shapes to be used both for the realization of the frame of the casing (2) and for the realization of the frame of the wing (3), have also resulted in a reduction of the overall size of the frame (1), by reducing the size of individual section bars of the composite structure forming it, being favourable for lightness, ease of assembly and installation and the overall costs of the product.

The internal covering (17) and the internal lining can be realized in many different materials according to preferences, e.g. solid wood or the like.

The carried-out study related to the size of elements constituting the frame and its materials has enabled (Fig. 1, Fig. 2, Fig. 3, Fig. 4, Fig. 5) to employ same sections both for the frame of the casing (2) and for the frame of the wing (3). Advantageously fastening the reciprocal fixing structural elements between wing (3) and casing (2) and between casing (2) and building where the frame (1) has to be housed, is performed by coupling hardware elements on wing (3) and casing (2) at the main aluminium structure, i.e. on the connecting element (10, 16). This provides excellent fixing as well as insulation, avoiding therefore condensation points.

Advantageously, as it is readily understood from the present description and from the attached figures, procedures and operations necessary to assemble sections are simple, therefore allowing to reduce the processing times and, as a result, the end cost of the frame (1).

Advantageously, as previously explained, the frame of the casing (2) and of the wing (3) is constituted of a core made by an aluminium pipe with structural function, i.e. the connecting element (10, 16), and by a special plastic extruded profile having a thermal bridge function, i.e. the insulating element (8, 20), joined to each other by means of a stable mechanical hooking assured by roll-forming of the corresponding sections.

The innovative system of the frame according to the present invention being characterized in that:

• the connecting element of the casing (10) and the connecting element of the wing (16) are identical to each other, in a sense that are identical in section, i.e. in a sense that are obtained from the same section bar, constituting a connecting element (10, 16) that is a shared element for the casing (2) and the wing (3);
• the insulating element of the casing (8) and the insulating element of the wing (20) are identical to each other, in a sense that are identical in section, i.e. in a sense that are obtained from the same section bar, constituting an insulating element (8, 20) that is a shared element for the casing (2) and the wing (3);
• the fixing means on the casing (11) and the fixing means on the wing (15) are identical to each other, in a sense that are identical in section, i.e. in a sense that are obtained from the same section bar, constituting a fixing means (11, 15) that is a shared element for the casing (2) and the wing (3),

Gaskets (5, 6, 14, 22) are preferably made of high quality elastomers with limited and simple geometric shapes whilst ensuring high technical performance.

Advantageously, the frame (1) according to the present invention can provide multiple openings of the wing, according to known solutions, for the purposes of the present invention. Exemplary, opening mechanisms with side hinged wing, orthogonally opening with respect to the wall, such as transom-window, bottom-hinged wing, horizontally moving and side-scrolling wing, can be provided. Moreover, it is also possible to provide selective opening mechanisms of the same wing according to different opening modes, e.g. wings that can be selectively opened with bottom-hinged mode or side-scrolling or wings that can be selectively opened with bottom-hinged or side rotation mode on vertical hinging.

According to the studies carried out, sections with reduced sizes were found to be sufficient to achieve high thermal performance and good structural features.

The connecting element (10, 16) may have section size within 20 mm and 40 mm in height, preferably approximately 30 mm and within 20 mm and 50 mm in width, preferably approximately 36 mm.

The insulating element (8, 20) may have section size within 30 mm and 60 mm in height, preferably approximately 35 mm and within 20 mm and 60 mm in width, preferably approximately 30 mm.

Preferably, but not necessarily, the glass (23) or the panel can have a thickness within 24 and 36 mm.

According to the aforesaid size, the described structure and materials mentioned in this description it is possible to provide more compact frames (1) with equal thermal and acoustic performance.

Generally (Fig. 1, Fig. 2, Fig. 3, Fig. 4, Fig. 5), the present invention relates to a frame (1) made up of a casing (2) comprising first perimeter elements (8, 10, 11) obtained from first elongated section components and made up of at least one wing (3) comprising second perimeter elements (20, 16, 15) obtained from second elongated section components, wherein the casing (2) is adapted to be inserted within an opening obtained on a wall or on a roof of a building and wherein the wing (3) can be selectively opened and closed on the first perimeter elements (8, 10, 11) of the casing (2) and further wherein the first perimeter elements (8, 10, 11) of the casing (2) include at least two section bars being identical in section to the section of two section bars corresponding to the second perimeter elements (20, 16,15) of the at least one wing (3). In the preferred embodiment of present invention the first perimeter elements (8, 10, 11) of the casing (2) include three section bars being identical in section to the section of the three section bars corresponding to the second perimeter elements (20, 16, 15) of the at least one wing (3). Sections bars being identical in section include interlocking coupling means (27, 28, 30) mutually engaging the at least two perimeter elements selected among the first perimeter elements (8, 10, 11) and the second perimeter elements (20, 16, 15).

Particularly, the present invention (Fig. 1, Fig. 2, Fig. 3, Fig. 4, Fig. 5) relates to a frame (1) made up of a casing (2) and of at least one wing (3). The terms "at least one wing" are to be indented as that the frame (1) may include a single wing as well as two or more wings. The casing (2) is adapted to be inserted within an opening obtained on a wall or on a roof of a building. The casing (2) includes a plurality of first perimeter elements (8, 10, 11) obtained from first elongated section bar components, said first perimeter elements (8, 10, 11) forming a first framework defining a first inner surface where the at least one wing (3) has to be applied. The at least one wing (3) includes a plurality of second perimeter elements (20, 16, 15) obtained from second elongated section bar components, said perimeter second elements (20, 16,15) forming a second framework defining a second inner surface. The at least one wing (3) is adapted to be applied on the casing (2) by means of hardware elements (4) suitable to allow mutual engaging of the wing (3) and the casing (2), said engaging enabling the movement of the wing (3) with respect to the casing (2) at least in two positions:

• a first position thereof, being a first position where the wing (3) is on a rabbet condition over the casing (2) being the first inner surface closed as defined by the first frame of the casing (2), i.e. a closing position of the wing;
• a second position thereof, being a second position where the wing (3) is on at least partially spaced condition with respect to the first frame of the casing (2) with corresponding at least partial opening of the first inner surface defined by the first frame of said casing (2), i.e. an at least partial opening position of the wing, that can be a sliding opening, folding opening, side hinging opening or a combination thereof.

The first elongated section bar components forming the first perimeter elements (8, 10, 11) of the casing (2) are identical to the second elongated section bar components forming the second perimeter elements (20, 16, 15) of the at least one wing (3), said first perimeter elements (8, 10, 11) including first elements being identical in section to second elements of the second perimeter elements (20, 16, 15).

Particularly, the first elongated section bar components forming the first perimeter elements (8, 10, 11) of the casing (2) include at least one elongated section bar component constituting a connecting element of the casing (10) and the second elongated section bar components forming the second perimeter elements (20, 16, 15) of the at least one wing (3) include at least one elongated section bar component constituting a connecting element of the at least one wing (16), said elongated section bar constituting this connecting element of the casing (10) being it identical to the elongated section bar constituting this connecting element of the at least one wing (16), in a sense that said elongated section bars are identical in section being them obtained from the same section bar, constituting a connecting element (10, 16) being it obtained from a section bar shared by the casing (2) and the at least one wing (3). The first elongated section bar components forming the first perimeter elements (8, 10, 11) of the casing (2) include at least one elongated section bar component constituting an insulating element of the casing (8) and the second elongated section bar components forming the second perimeter elements (20, 16, 15) of the at least one wing (3) include at least one elongated section bar component constituting an insulating piece of the at least one wing (20), the elongated section bar constituting this insulating element of the casing (8) being identical to the elongated section bar constituting this insulating element of the at least one wing (20), in a sense that said elongated section bars are identical in section being them obtained from the same section bar, constituting an insulating element (8, 20) being it obtained from a section bar shared by the casing (2) and the at least one wing (3).

The first elongated section bar components forming the first perimeter elements (8, 10, 11) of the casing (2) include at least one elongated section bar component constituting a fixing means on the casing (11). Similarly, the second elongated section bar components forming the second perimeter elements (20, 16, 15) of the at least one wing (3) include at least one elongated section bar component constituting a fixing means on the wing (15). The elongated section bar constituting this fixing means on the casing (11) is identical to the elongated section bar constituting the fixing means on the wing (15), in a sense that said elongated section bars are identical in section being them obtained from the same section bar, constituting a fixing means (11, 15) being it an element obtained from a section bar shared by the casing (2) and the at least one wing (3).

Advantageously, therefore, the frame structures of the casing (2) and the wing (3) are obtained from identical section bar elements (8, 10, 11), consistently decreasing the amount of section bars required for the production of the frame (1).

Preferably, the insulating element of the casing (8) and the insulating element of the at least one wing (20) are shaped in section according to an essentially quadrangular shape. Preferably, also the connecting element of the casing (10) and the connecting element of the at least one wing (16) are shaped in section according to an essentially quadrangular shape. The insulating element of the casing (8) is able to couple with the connecting element of the casing (10) and similarly the insulating element of the at least one wing (20) is able to couple with the connecting element of the at least one wing (16). Mutual coupling of the insulating element of the casing (8) and the connecting element of the casing (10) and mutual coupling of the insulating element of the at least one wing (20) and connecting element of the at least one wing (16) occurs by means of a series of recesses (28) with undercut shape and protrusions (27) having an essentially complementary form in respect to said undercut shape with a base side being shorter than an end side with a section form essentially corresponding to a triangle trunk. Recesses (28) extend longitudinally with respect to the length of the section bar from which they are obtained. Protrusions (27) extend longitudinally with respect to the length of the section bar from which they are obtained. Each protrusion (27) is adapted to be inserted within a corresponding recess (28) with mutual locking achieved by coupling the triangle trunk shape of the protrusion (27) with the undercut shape of the recess (28). It will be readily understood that a greater number of protrusions or recesses than those depicted, as well as different forms for mutual coupling, can be provided.

The connecting element (10, 16) further includes a first insertion site (29) essentially "C" shaped which is open at one side near a first opening (34) and is delimited at the opposite side, with respect to the first opening (34), by a rabbet bottom from where two mutually parallel arms (36) extend, delimiting this essentially "C" shape. The first insertion site (29) is adapted for the insertion of the fixing means (11, 15). Fixing the fixing means (11, 15) within the first insertion site (29) is performed by means of coupling means (30) on the arms (36) in the form of coupling notches engaging the coupling surface between the arms (36) and the fixing means (11, 15). The fixing means (11, 15) constitutes a coupling interface between the connecting element (10, 16) and the finishing element constituting the internal coverings (12, 17) of an internal side of the frame (1), being internal referred with respect to the building on which the frame (1) is mounted, with internal meaning the side of the frame (1) facing the interior.

The connecting element (10, 16) is formed from elongated section bar components of aluminium or steel and the insulating element (8, 10) is formed from elongated section bar components of insulating material, preferably plastic material. Coupling between the connecting element (10, 16) and the insulating element (8, 10) constitutes an insulating coupling suitable for the elimination of thermal bridges between the internal side and an external side of the frame (1), internal being referred with respect to the building on which the frame (1) is mounted, with internal meaning the side of the frame (1) facing the interior; external being referred to the opposite side of the frame (1) with respect to the internal side, i.e. the side of the frame (1) facing the outside the building.

The fixing means (11, 15) is formed from elongated section bar components of insulating material, preferably of plastic material. Coupling between the connecting element (10, 16) and the fixing means (11, 15) constitutes an insulating coupling suitable for the elimination of thermal bridges between the internal side and the external side of the frame (1), internal being referred with respect to the building on which the frame (1) is mounted, with internal meaning the side of the frame (1) facing the interior; external being referred to the opposite side of the frame (1) with respect to the internal side, i.e. the side of the frame (1) facing the outside of the building.

The internal coverings (12, 17) include a first internal covering (12) adapted to be fixed on the connecting element of the casing (10) by means of first fixing means (11) of these fixing means (11, 15). The internal coverings (12, 17) further include a second internal covering (17) suitable to be fixed on the connecting element of the at least one wing (16) by means of second fixing means (15) of these fixing means (11, 15). The internal coverings (12, 17) form easy to be interchanged finishing elements, in a sense that mutual fixing between internal coverings (12, 17) and the fixing means (11, 15) allows a fast removal of internal coverings (12, 17) for their replacement and/or maintenance. The mutual fixing between the internal coverings (12, 17) and the fixing means (11,15) is performed by means of an insertion block (37) protruding from the internal coverings (12, 17) at the coupling surface with the fixing means (11, 15). The insertion block (37) is preferably an integral part of the coverings, being directly formed on the same. The insertion block (37) is adapted to be inserted within a second insertion site (31) obtained on the fixing means (11, 15). The second insertion site (31) is essentially "C" shaped and is open at one side near a second opening (39) being delimited at the opposite side, with respect to this second opening (39), by a rabbet bottom from where two mutually parallel arms (36) extend, delimiting the essentially "C" shape. The fixing of the internal coverings (12, 17) within this first insertion site (29) is done by means of:

• coupling means (30) on the arms (36) being coupling notches engaging on the coupling surface between the arms (36) and the insertion block (37);
• intermediate blocking means (32) in the form of one or more dowels that are jointly inserted within corresponding hollows (38) obtained on the insertion block (37).

The internal coverings (12, 17) consists of a material selected from the group consisting of wood, plastic, aluminium, steel or equivalent other materials, as required for the customization of the frame (1).The second internal covering (17) preferably consists of a first element (18) and of a second element (19) in which the first element (18) constitutes the coupling interface with the connecting element of the at least one wing (16) to fix this second internal covering (17) and where the second element (19) is fixed with interlocking between the first element (18) and a standstill element (39) protruding from the insulating element of the at least one wing (20).

As depicted from figures (Fig. 1, Fig. 2, Fig. 3) and the foregoing, the frame includes at least one connecting element of the casing (10) or at least one connecting element of said at least one wing (16). This connecting element (10,16) includes a first insertion site (29) essentially "C" shaped which is delimited by two arms (36). The first insertion site (29) is adapted for inserting insertion blocks (37) obtained on internal coverings (12, 17) forming finishing elements of an internal side of the frame (1), internal being referred with respect to the building on which said frame (1) is mounted, with internal meaning the side of the frame (1) facing the interior. Fixing of internal coverings (12, 17) is performed by means of coupling notches (30) on the arms (36). The coupling notches (30) engage on a surface coupling the insertion blocks (37) or the fixing means (11, 15) of the internal coverings (12, 17). The surface coupling the insertion blocks (37) or the fixing means (11, 15) is (Fig. 1, Fig. 2, Fig, 3) an essentially smooth coupling surface with no coupling recesses with said coupling notches (30) therefore achieving an easily releasable coupling interface. In this way, the internal coverings (12, 17) form easy to be interchanged finishing elements, in a sense that mutual fixing between the internal coverings (12, 17) and the first insertion site (29) allows a fast removal of said internal coverings (12,17) for their replacement and/or maintenance.

The frame (1) includes on the at least one wing (3) a glass or a closing panel (23) that is applied to the second frame defining the second internal surface of the at least one wing (3), i.e. it closes the space delimited by the frame constituting the wing (3). The glass or the panel (23) is fixed on the at least one wing (3) by means of a glazing bead element (21) by interposing a protection gasket (22), said glazing bead element (21) being fixed on the insulating element of the wing (20) by means of screws (13). Furthermore the frame (1) will include a sealing product (25) injected in the gap between the panel or glass (23) and the insulating element of the wing (20). Furthermore, a screw-cover element (24) is provided, which is fixed in an interlocking manner to the screw heads (13), said screw-cover element (24) constituting an easy to be interchanged finishing element, in a sense that the mutual fixing of this screw-cover element (24) allows a fast removal of the screw-cover element (24) for its replacement and/or maintenance.

Furthermore, the frame (1) includes an external finishing element (7) which is secured by screws (13) to the insulating element of the casing (8), said screws (13) being located near an enclosed gap (33) between the at least one wing (3) and the casing (2). The screws (13) are accessible only when the at least one wing (3) is in an open condition with respect to the casing (2), so that the external finishing element (7) constitutes both an easily replaceable cover element, and a security anti-burglary element. The external finishing element (7) constitutes also a rabbet element of the panel or glass (23) when the at least one wing (3) is in a closing position with respect to the casing (2), with interposing a first rabbet gasket (5). The external finishing element (7) includes a second rabbet gasket (6) at the coupling surface between the external finishing element (7) and the insulating element of the wing (20), this second rabbet gasket (6) being suitable to seal, together with the first rabbet gasket (5), the enclosed gap (33) between the at least one.wing (3) and the casing (2), when the wing (3) is in a closing position with respect to the casing (2). Advantageously, therefore, when the wing (3) is closed on the casing (2) a double sealing condition is provided, one between the glass or panel (23) and the external finishing element (7) due to the first rabbet gasket (5) and the other one between the external finishing element (7) and the insulating element of the wing (20) due to the second rabbet gasket (6), benefiting the insulating level achievable with the inventive frame (1), also providing an advantageous reduction of section size and equal performance. The casing (3) also includes a perimeter gasket (9) adapted as insulating and sealing means of the coupling interface between the frame (1) and the internal walls of the opening of the building within which the frame (1) itself is inserted. The perimeter gasket (9) constitutes a sealing mean integrated in the frame (1) for sealing the perimeter surface of the insertion space of the building, this solution overall improving the insulating performance of the frame (1). The perimeter gasket (9) is fixed on the casing (3) by interlocking a coupling protrusion of the perimeter gasket (9) within a second opening (35) formed on the connecting element of the casing (10) at the coupling interface between the casing and the space located on the wall of the building and within which the casing (3) itself is inserted.

The wing (3) can be for example from the group consisting of sliding and/or bottom-hinged wing and/or side-hinged wing, single wing, double wing.

The description of the present invention is provided with reference to the enclosed figures in a preferred embodiment of the same, but it is apparent that many possible alterations, modifications and variations will be readily clear to those skilled in the art in the light of the previous description. Thus, it should be noted that the invention is not limited by the previous description, but includes all alterations, modifications and variations within the scope of the appended claims.

With reference to the reference numbers reported in the attached figures, the following nomenclature has been used:

1. 1. Frame
2. 2. Casing or fixed frame
3. 3. Wing or movable frame
4. 4. Hinge or hardware element
5. 5. First rabbet gasket
6. 6. Second rabbet gasket
7. 7. External finishing element
8. 8. Insulating element of the casing
9. 9. Perimeter gasket
10. 10. Connecting element of the casing
11. 11. First fixing means or fixing means on casing
12. 12. First internal covering
13. 13. Screw
14. 14. Third rabbet gasket
15. 15. Second means of fixing or fixing means on wing
16. 16. Connecting element of the wing
17. 17. Second internal covering
18. 18. First covering element
19. 19. Second covering element
20. 20. Insulating element of the wing
21. 21. Glazing bead element
22. 22. Protection gasket
23. 23. Glass or panel
24. 24. Screw-cover element
25. 25. Sealing product
26. 26. Bore
27. 27. Protrusion
28. 28. Recess
29. 29. First insertion site
30. 30. Coupling means
31. 31. Second insertion site
32. 32. Intermediate blocking means
33. 33. Gap
34. 34. First opening
35. 35. Second opening
36. 36. Arm
37. 37. Insertion block
38. 38. Hollow
39. 39. Standstill element